UAE Cyber Security Council Warns Against Risks from Digital Footprints
The UAE Cyber Security Council (CSC) has issued a warning regarding the increasing risks associated with users’ digital footprints, noting that more than 1.4 billion accounts are compromised globally each month.
According to the CSC, every login, post, or interaction online leaves a trace that can be exploited by hackers and malicious entities. The council highlighted two forms of digital footprints: a passive footprint, collected without the user’s knowledge through tracking or data gathering by websites and apps; and an active footprint, which is intentionally generated by users through photos, videos, comments, and posts.
The CSC cautioned that weakly secured data can result in privacy violations, account takeovers, phishing, and even identity theft. It specifically warned that unofficial or untrusted applications significantly increase risk, with some apps capable of recording calls or accessing cameras without the user’s consent.
To counter these dangers, the council recommends that users only download apps from official stores, review app permissions, enable two-factor authentication, and use caution when sharing locations or accepting friend requests.
Emphasizing that digital safety relies not only on technology but also on individual awareness, the CSC reminded everyone that each user is responsible for limiting their digital trace.
These warnings are part of the council’s weekly awareness campaign “Cyber Pulse,” with the current focus on the dangers of neglecting personal digital footprint security.
Team V.4-EM-UAE
